I usually get this question within the first 2 mins of a business conversation: How much do your SEO services cost?



If you’re a UK-based business asking, “How much should I be paying for SEO?”—you’re in the right place. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is one of the most effective ways to grow your business online, but knowing what’s a fair price for it can be confusing.

From freelancers charging £50 per hour to agencies quoting £5,000 per month, SEO pricing in the UK varies massively. So, how do you know what’s reasonable—and what you’re actually getting for your money?

Let’s break it down.

🧭 What Are You Really Paying For?

SEO is not a one-off tip, trick or action. It's an on-going process a long-term investment that involves:

• Optimising your website for Google and other search engines
• Conducting keyword research
• Creating high-quality content
• Improving technical performance (site speed, mobile usability, etc.)
• Earning backlinks from reputable websites
• Tracking and adjusting strategy based on performance

Good SEO helps your site rank higher in search results, which means more visitors, leads, and sales—without paying for every click.

💷 Typical SEO Pricing Models in the UK

There are three main ways SEO is priced:

1. Monthly Retainer

• Range: £400 – £4,000+ per month
• Best for: Ongoing campaigns and consistent growth

This is the most common model in the UK. A monthly retainer means your SEO provider works on your site continuously—updating pages, building links, writing content, and reporting on progress.

Rough guide:

• £400–£800/month – Ideal for small local businesses
• £800–£2,000/month – For SMEs targeting regional/national traffic
• £2,000–£4,000+ – Suitable for e-commerce or competitive industries

2. Hourly Rate

• Range: £50 – £200+ per hour
• Best for: Audits, consulting, or ad hoc work

This suits businesses that need a specific task handled—like a technical SEO audit or keyword strategy session.

Freelancers typically charge less than agencies, but hourly SEO can add up quickly if you need regular support.

3. Project-Based

• Range: £1,000 – £25,000+ (depending on scope)
• Best for: Website migrations, audits, or full site SEO setups

If you're launching a new site or doing a major overhaul, project-based pricing can be more cost-effective. Be sure the proposal includes deliverables, timelines, and clear outcomes.

🔎 What Affects the Cost of SEO?

Several factors will influence what you’re quoted:

• Your business size and goals – Are you trying to rank locally in Leeds or compete nationally in finance or healthcare?
• Your website’s current condition – A well-structured site is easier (and cheaper) to optimise
• The competitiveness of your industry – Legal, property, and e-commerce tend to be more expensive
• Content requirements – If you need blog posts, service pages, or product copy written, that adds to the workload
• Who you hire – Freelancers are usually cheaper than London-based digital agencies

🧠 How to Choose the Right SEO Provider

Here are a few tips to help you make a smart investment:

✅ Look for transparency – Clear monthly reporting, data access, and honest goal-setting
✅ Ask for case studies or testimonials – What results have they achieved for similar businesses?
✅ Be wary of guarantees – No one can guarantee the #1 spot on Google. If they promise this, walk away
✅ Check their own SEO – If an agency can’t rank their own website, that’s a red flag

📊 UK SEO Pricing Cheat Sheet (2025)

   Business Type

 SEO Needs

 Monthly Budget (Approx.)

    Local sole trader

 Local SEO & GMB support

 £400 – £800

   Small to medium business

 Regional or niche SEO

 £800 – £2,000

   E-commerce / national

 Full-service SEO

 £2,000 – £5,000+

💡 So How Serious Do You Want To Get?

SEO in the UK isn’t cheap—but it is powerful. Rather than asking, “What’s the cheapest SEO I can get?” ask: “What level of SEO investment will move me to where I want to be in my business?”

The right provider will help you grow traffic, convert leads, and build long-term digital equity. Bad SEO, on the other hand, can waste your budget or even get your site penalised.

Need advice on choosing an SEO provider or setting your budget? Drop your question in the comments or get in touch— here at SkyDriveDigital we’re happy to help you find the right fit. Contact us now for a free, informal chat.